Govt aims to make India 5th largest shipping nation by 2047: Sarbananda Sonowal
NEW DELHI : The Centre is working towards making India the fifth-largest shipping nation in terms of shipbuilding and ship ownership by Amrit Kaal 2047, said Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Shipbuilding, as a mother industry, has immense potential to generate large-scale employment while strengthening the national economy. At the same time, growth must be sustainable, with protection of the marine environment and safe living conditions for future generations, he said.
The Minister was virtually inaugurating the Cochin Marine Seminar (Comarsem 2026) organised by the Institute of Marine Engineers of India (IMEI) in collaboration with the Directorate General of Shipping.
creating ecosystem
Referring to recent government initiatives, Sonowal said policies such as the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy 2.0, Ship Recycling Credit Policy, Maritime Development Fund, and incentives for brownfield and greenfield expansions are aimed at creating a robust ecosystem for the sector.
Shipping is a strategic sector in today’s highly unpredictable geopolitical environment. While these ambitions present challenges, they also open up significant opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and high-value business solutions. He highlighted the importance of platforms such as Comarsem in bringing together industry, policymakers, and investors to deliberate on critical issues, including the green transition in shipping.
Calling for collective action, the Minister urged stakeholders to work closely with the Government to realise India’s Amrit Kaal vision.
Themed “Maritime India — Innovations and Collaborations,” Comarsem 2026, which began here, brings together policymakers, industry leaders, technologists, academicians, and maritime professionals from India and abroad to deliberate on issues shaping the future of the maritime sector and India’s aspirations to emerge as a global maritime powerhouse.